Lorain police say alcohol was a contributing factor in a two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of Mel Rush, 62, of Lorain and injured Antonia Catalano, 28, of Lorain on Jan. 15.

About 10 p.m., Cleonna Dunseth, 20, of Lorain was traveling westbound on West 23rd Street in a white Chevy Malibu when she failed to stop at a stop sign, according to Lorain police Officer Robert Hargreaves.

Dunseth was then struck by a Lincoln Town Car headed south on Oakdale Avenue, Hargreaves said.

The Malibu spun out of control, striking the pedestrians before coming to rest against a tree.

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Rush was pronounced dead at the scene, Hargreaves said.

“Where the pedestrian was, we’re still trying to figure that out,” the officer added. “We’ve been here since about 10 p.m., and we’re still trying to map out what’s where.”

Saturday afternoon, Hargreaves confirmed Rush and Catalano were leaving Rudy’s Market II, 523 W 23rd St., at the time of the crash.

As the pair crossed the street and made their way onto the tree lawn, they were struck.

Catalano was seen by physicians at UH Amherst Health Center, where she was treated for “cuts, scratches and a broken leg,” Hargreaves said.

Dunseth was transported to Mercy Hospital and then flown to Cleveland MetroHealth by Life Flight.

“Alcohol is definitely on board,” Hargreaves said. “She had a real strong odor of alcohol about her.”

Her condition is unknown, according to the officer.

The 58-year-old driver of the Lincoln Town Car was “shook up,” but did not report any injuries, Hargreaves said.

The officer added the investigation is in its preliminary stage. No charges have been filed at this time.

In a news release, police said if anyone who may have witnessed or has any information in regards to the crash, they are urged to contact Hargreaves at the Lorain Police Department Traffic Bureau at 440-204-2115.

Information for this story was also contributed by Brian Fronk.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 6:35 p.m., it now includes the names of those involved.